The 32-year-old Chilean succeeded Lars Bender as captain in the summer of 2020 and led the team onto the pitch last season. "I was proud to wear the armband," said Aránguiz. "But I noticed over the course of the season that I can help the team more if I completely focus on my performance on the pitch. That's why I made the post of captain available. Of course, I will continue in a leadership role and give my full support to Lukas."
Hradecky joined the Werkself from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2018 and has made 127 appearances for Bayer 04 so far. "Lukas is not only an outstanding goalkeeper but also a complete professional who has a very conscientious approach to his game," said Gerardo Seoane. "On top of that, he has a very positive presence, communicates well and is happy to accept responsibility."
The new captain is looking forward to the challenge. "The team has become very close to my heart in the past few years. And I really identify with the club," said the 31-year-old Finland international. "We have ambitious targets for next season. My teammates and I will give our all to achieve them."
Julian Baumgartlinger, Jonathan Tah and Charles Aránguiz are the vice-captains.
Werkself captains since 1996:
Jens Nowotny: 1996-2003
Carsten Ramelow: 2003-2008
Simon Rolfes: 2008-2015
Lars Bender: 2015-2020
Charles Aránguiz: 2020-2021
Lukas Hradecky: From 2021
Following the summer break of around two months, the Bayer 04 first team squad took to the training pitches at the BayArena for the first time on Tuesday – and the players were in high spirits. Alongside the newly formed coaching team led by head coach Carles Martínez, new signing Afonso Moreira also completed his first session with the squad. In front of several hundred Bayer 04 fans at the open session, numerous Werkself players worked up a good sweat. The Leverkusen players who took part in the World Cup will join pre-season training at a later date.
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In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
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Rieden reloaded: Just like last year, the Bayer 04 Women’s team are spending their summer training camp in this idyllic corner of Bavaria. From this Sunday, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team will be based in Rieden in the Upper Palatinate for a week.
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